Jarlsberg Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

What is Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.